[An epidemiological study of the prevalence and clinical aspects of oral mucosal lesions in adults].

The frequency of the different lesions of oral mucosa detected in the patients presenting for outpatient dental care was 37.6%. Cheilitis, lesions in various areas of oral mucosa, and glossitis were prevalent. Generalized stomatitis accounted for only 3.7%. Except for few cases with stomatitis and glossitis, the clinical aspect of these lesions was benign, fact explaining why the patients have not been aware of and have not presented for dental care. As some of these lesions are believed to be precancerous states, thorough investigations are needed for understanding their etiology, relationship with odontic, periodontal and general disorders, and recurrent course.